Operated by Bristol Hospitality Group, The Santa Maria is a five-star resort delivering exceptional experiences to travellers seeking an authentic connection to the destination. With this exciting opening, The Luxury Collection expands its footprint in South America where it now operates six properties.

“We are delighted to introduce The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort – The Luxury Collection’s first property in Panama and a portal to the destination’s remarkable landscape and rich heritage,” said Mitzi Gaskins, global brand leader, The Luxury Collection. “Panama is a desirable location for global explorers seeking authentic travel experiences, and we are thrilled to invite guests to explore the destination through the lens of The Luxury Collection.”

Located within an exclusive neighborhood next to the Costa del Este and Santa Maria business parks and just minutes away from the airport and Panama City’s city centre, The Luxury Collection’s Santa Maria is poised to elevate the destination’s luxury hospitality landscape. The hotel features 182 luxurious guestrooms and suites with authentic Panamanian design elements including the Guna Yala inspired traditional Mola blankets to adorn the beds, handmade baskets made by the Embera community and wood mined from the depth of the Gatun Lake. The Santa Maria offers stunning urban and golf course views, two restaurants, a state-of-the-art spa, a fitness centre with natural light, an outdoor pool and exceptional meeting and event spaces.

“Panama is known as the ‘Crossroad of the World’ as it is deeply rich with history, inspiring landmarks, and natural beauty,” said Fidel Reyes, general manager at The Santa Maria. “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests with our warm approach to hospitality and excellent service.”

The hotel’s interior design balances the history and culture of the destination with beautifully crafted furniture and decor, including a library filled with carefully curated books on Panama’s local culture. The décor, all accented by handmade artefacts from Reprosa’s Treasure of Panama, the leading company in the preservation of the country’s history and cultural traditions, is reflected throughout the property.

Upon arrival, guests of The Santa Maria are whisked into a lush urban oasis surrounded by views of the only Championship Nicklaus Design 18 holes, 72-par golf course in Panama City. Developed to handle Panama’s climate and managed by the world’s largest golf management company, Troon, the exquisite course features rippling fairways, beautiful greens and sculptured bunkers that are challenging for all skill levels. The Santa Maria’s golf course is celebrated throughout the design of the hotel with views from nearly every direction, including views of its signature waterfall hole.

Guests can enjoy an array of luxury amenities including a selection of ancestral spa treatments inspired by natural, local ingredients. Dining at The Santa Maria will delight the palate, as Mestizo Restaurant will present some of the finest Panamanian cuisines alongside an international blend of flavours. Guests can also savour fine meat cuts and fresh seafood in the country-club-styled Ocean Prime restaurant. During the day, the Coffee Shop and Deli serves Boquete’s rare Geisha coffee blend, while AQVA invites guests to relax with delicious bites and refreshing cocktails. Additionally, the resort offers 700 square metres of exceptional sun-lit meeting and event space that includes a grand ballroom, three breakout rooms and a private boardroom with an independent foyer.

Designed for the current generation of global explorers who seek authentic cultural experiences, the resort’s team of dedicated and experienced concierges led by Les Clefs d’Or invite guests to explore custom-curated tours designed to immerse guests in the authentic Panama, whether through a lunch at a favourite local restaurant or a canoe down the Chagres River to spend the day with the Embera tribe. The resort’s location in offers guests access to some of the destination’s cultural attractions, including Casco Viejo, the world-famous Panama Canal, the Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum, and the country’s resplendent islands and rainforest.